Manipur violence: ‘Around 40 terrorists killed by security forces’, says CM Biren Singh

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday said that over 40 “terrorists” have been killed so far by security forces to check violent incidents and attacks on civilians and restore “peace” in the state.

Addressing the media at the Durbar Hall of the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, he said, “We have taken strong action. Till now we have reports that around 40 terrorists have been killed.” Earlier in the day, Army Chief General Manoj Pandey met Singh and discussed the current security situation in Manipur and the steps taken by the Army to restore peace.

“In retaliatory and defensive operations against these terrorist groups, who are using sophisticated weapons against the civilian population, casualties have been reported in various areas. Some have also been arrested by the security forces,” the CM said.

He further said that the spurt in violent attacks on civilian houses in the surrounding areas of the Valley in the last one or two days seems to be “well-planned and simultaneous”. “As per our information, firing has been reported from Sugnu in Kakching, Kangvi in ​​Churachandpur, Kangchup in Imphal West, Sagolmang in Imphal East, Nungoipokpi in Bishenpur, Khurkhul in Imphal West and YKPI in Kangpokpi,” an official said. ,

The house of BJP MLA Khwairakpam Raghumani Singh at Uripok in Imphal West was allegedly vandalized and two of his vehicles were torched. Describing those trying to break the state and disrupt the peaceful coexistence in the state as enemies of all the 34 communities living together, Singh said the government would continue to face every such challenge.

The CM said, “The firing is between armed terrorists and security forces and not between communities. So I urge common people to maintain peace and remain united.” He also said that the government will not allow disintegration of Manipur, protect the integrity of the state and uproot these armed terrorists from the state.

Besides this, he also assured that the government will face every challenge against the territorial integrity of the state and attacks on the life and property of the people. Appealing to the people to support and pray and encourage the commandos and security forces, the chief minister also said, “The state forces are directly under the state home department and there is no restriction on them from anyone’s side.”

Caste clashes that claimed around 75 lives in Manipur broke out on May 3 after the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserved forest land, which led to several smaller agitations.